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Snoqualmie National Forest

Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is one of the premier outdoor adventure destinations of Washington State, comprising over 1.7 million acres of pristine scenery. The forests are anchored by the towering Mount Baker and Glacier Peak, which rise thousands of feet above the adjacent peaks. With wide carpets of colorful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and old-growth forests, this park is a dream for hikers and adventurers of all ages and one of the most visited sites in the Pacific Northwest. With 62% of the state’s population living within a 112.7 km drive of the forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is the most visited national forest in the country. Hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and campers flock here.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest was established beginning in 1897 and finalized in 1974. Sections of the park, mostly the north and east, are exceptionally rugged and protect over 600,000 acres of old-growth forest. With protected wilderness areas covering nearly half of the forest’s area, the natural beauty of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie can be preserved for generations to come and the flora and fauna of the region can enjoy a permanent haven.

All you have to do now is pick your adventure! With a wide array of trails to hike, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to help you plan your trip. This is just the start, though- there’s so much to see here!

12 Epic Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

There are so many hikes to choose from in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it can be daunting to try and choose! We’ve picked out some of our favorite trails in all corners of the park to help you start to plan your adventure.

There is a trail for every hiker here. There are family-friendly trails, ADA-accessible trails, more challenging hikes, and long multi-day backpacking trips on offer, so you’ll be able to choose the right one no matter what you’re seeking. With lots of ancient trees to see and plenty of waterfalls hidden in the forests, you’ll enjoy a distinctly Pacific Northwest feel on most of these hikes. If you’re looking for an epic summit ascent, you can find that too! Or, if you’re just wanting to get some steps in with a stroller, you can do just that.

No matter which hike you take, you’ll be treated to splendid views of the Cascades, countless flowers, waterfalls, clear lakes, and mossy forests.

  • Lake 22 Trail: The hike on Lake 22 is a popular choice in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and for good reason. This moderate hike is doable for many skill levels, the lake is serene, and the forest leading up to the lake is mature and beautiful.
  • Franklin Falls Trail: Waterfall hikes are some of the best to enjoy in Washington, and Franklin Falls Trail is hugely popular with locals and visitors to the area alike. This simple, quick trail is a joy for families and hikers of all levels. With no difficult or technical sections and only modest elevation gain, little ones and beginners are especially likely to enjoy this trail.
  • Rattlesnake Ledge Trail: This trail begins at the calm shores of Rattlesnake Lake and climbs up the side of Rattlesnake Mountain to a ledge with a jaw-dropping view. The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a bang-for-your-buck outing and a great choice for hikers who want elevated views. While delivering a great viewpoint, you won’t need to contend with any technically difficult sections.
  • Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene: Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene are two stunning viewpoints that occupy the same trail, making for a very impressive hike. While this hike is considered strenuous by many, the cascading falls and the peaceful lakeshore are worth the effort.
  • Wallace Falls via Woody Trail: Wallace Falls is a gorgeous set of 9 waterfalls in the lush forest, offering a tranquil slice of paradise. The falls are a massively popular destination in the state, and they see plenty of visitors each week as a result. Don’t let this sway you- if you’re able to go outside of peak hours, you’re almost guaranteed to have a wonderful trip.
  • Mailbox Peak Trail: What’s in the mailbox? Besides the trail register, sometimes it’s toys, sometimes it’s beer, sometimes it’s just some ants looking for shelter. The Mailbox Peak Trail leads you to a viewpoint adorned with a sticker-clad mailbox where hikers from all over leave goodies for the next groups up.
  • Snow Lake: Some days you want to sweat it out, but some days you just want the views without needing to exhaust yourself, right? Snow Lake is perfect for hikers who want a maximum reward for a moderate effort. This is the most visited lake in the region, and its crystalline waters flanked by a mountain ridge will enchant you.
  • Blanca Lake: Blanca Lake is mesmerizing, with that classic alpine opaque aqua-green color (thanks to the minerals in the water) and a grand frame of mountains behind it, including Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes mountains. It’s a beautiful spot that draws plenty of hikers.
  • Granite Mountain: The summit of Granite Mountain offers excellent views, and the trail to the top is sure to deliver in terms of a workout. While we don’t recommend this trail for newer hikers because of the consistent, hefty elevation gain, if you’re ready to sweat, you’ll be rewarded.
  • Summit Lake Trail: Summit Lake is a local go-to for hikers looking to take their visiting friends and family out, a testament to its accessible but still rewarding nature. With a moderate effort required, you can savour views of Mount Rainier rising over the blue waters of the lake. An endless panorama of peaks surrounds this view, making it a knockout objective.
  • Mount Si Trail: A truly staggering number of people hike Mount Si Trail every year, and for good reason- it’s beautiful, and it’s reasonably close to Seattle. This hike is a solid workout, gaining 945 m in just under 6.4 km. It’s enough of a challenge for stronger hikers, but many novice hikers choose Mount Si as their first “hard” hike.
  • Kendall Katwalk Trail: Kendall Katwalk Trail is an undeniably impressive hike. This 19.3 km trail climbs a catwalk (er, katwalk) blasted onto the side of a mountain for unbelievable views of Gold Creek Valley and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It’s a favorite for adrenaline junkies and hikers perpetually on the hunt for the next-best views.

Scroll down to see the full list of hiking trails in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

When is the Best Time to Hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest experiences warm, mild summers and cool winters with lots of precipitation. Certain roads in the park close in the late fall and remain closed through the spring, so we recommend visiting in the summer months of June through September for most hikes, unless you’re seeking snowshoeing routes. If you’re hoping to catch the wildflower blooms in their full glory, a trip between mid-July and mid-August tends to be the best option.

While the summer months offer the best weather, they do also bring the heaviest crowds. If you’re okay with occasionally cooler or wetter conditions, visiting in June or mid-September can give you more privacy on the trails while still offering suitable hiking weather.

If you’re seeking to enjoy winter activities in the park, like snowshoeing, visiting between December and February will be your best bet. Just come prepared as certain services may be unavailable. Take care to plan your visit carefully since some roads in the park are subject to seasonal closures.

Other Outdoor Activities in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Hiking and walking are by far the most popular activities in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, but they’re definitely not the only way to spend your time here. The park is a fantastic spot to camp, with a plethora of frontcountry and backcountry campsites available. Some should be pre-booked and some shouldn’t, giving you the flexibility to work around your plans.

In the winter months, snowshoeing is very popular. Many hiking trails are suitable for snowshoeing, and some have special winter routes to use.

For downhill skiing and snowboarding, Mount Baker Ski Area is a huge resort with great snow suitable for all levels. There are also over 191.5 km of cross-country ski trails to use in the forest.

How to Plan a Trip to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

A hiking trip in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a must-do adventure, but you’ll want to put enough time and energy into planning to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Whenever you’re planning a trip to a national forest, there are fees, permits, transportation requirements, and day-to-day logistics to consider. The official website of the forest is a great resource for trip planning that also provides up-to-date info on passes, permits, closures, events, and more. If you plan on camping, make sure you plan out your campsites beforehand and check which ones are walk-up and which require advance booking.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Adventure Tours

Not so excited about hashing out the details of your itinerary? Letting the pros plan your adventure in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest takes the stress out of your trip, letting you focus on your experiences. Check out some incredible adventure tours in the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Baker-Snoqualmie.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Do I need a pass or permit to enter Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

You’ll need a pass for most trailheads, picnic areas, and boat launches in the forest. The most commonly needed permit is the Northwest Forest Pass, but check the specific requirements of your destination as other passes may be required, like the Alpine Wilderness Pass.

How many days do you need in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

Most visitors come for one day or a weekend, but some devoted backpackers spend a week or more in the area. We recommend two full days to have the time to enjoy several different hikes in the park.

Which city is closest to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

The closest major city to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is Seattle (117.5 km), which also has the closest international airport, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Can you camp in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

There are both frontcountry and backcountry campsites in the park. Make sure you book your spot ahead and get all the necessary permits before you pitch your tent.

Are dogs allowed in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

Dogs are allowed on most trails in the park but must be kept on a leash.

Do you need a car in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

We recommend either driving your own car, renting a car, or booking a tour that includes transportation. There are some public transportation options in the forest but they are largely focused on the towns inside the boundaries of the forest and may not service trailheads.

Explore other great hiking regions in Washington State:

Mount Rainier National Park

North Cascades

Olympic National Park

Or check out other amazing hiking regions to explore in the United States.

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Displaying 20 of 150 routes

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Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Lake 22 Trail

Lake 22 Trail is a 6.8mi heavily trafficked route in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This hike is a popular choice in the area and is best done earlier or later in the day to avoid the crowds. The trail climbs through a mature forest and wraps around Lake Twentytwo (22), making it a nice choice on a hot day if you want to dip your feet. Dogs can be brought on this trail but must be kept on leash.
Moderate
10.9 km
449 m
3-4.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Franklin Falls Trail

Franklin Falls Trail is a 2.0mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that features a waterfall. This is an easy trail suitable for families with children and it is accessible in most seasons. The waterfall is beautiful and refreshing to enjoy on a hot day, and many families and beginner hikers will find this trail enjoyable and simple. Note that the road to the trailhead can be closed during winter, so we recommend checking on its status before coming in the off-season.
Easy
3.2 km
111 m
1h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is an 5.3mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This popular hike leads you from the blue shores of Rattlesnake Lake up to an impressive viewpoint with broad views over the lake and the surrounding mountains of the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. While the trail does require a bit of a climb on steeper sections, it’s technically simple and favored by intermediate hikers. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.
Moderate
8.5 km
445 m
2.5-4h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Rattlesnake Lake Trail

Rattlesnake Lake Trail is a 1.4mi moderately trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy. This trail provides a route around the southeastern lakeshore, where people come to swim, fish, slackline, have picnics, and rest up after hiking the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. This is a simple, easy, family-friendly walk with no real challenges to take on. Enjoy the peace of the lake and the cheerful ambiance of its adventurers.
Very Easy
2.3 km
12 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Hike

The hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene is a heavily trafficked hike in Mount-Baker Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as hard. While this hike is considered strenuous by many, the cascading falls and the peaceful lakeshore are worth the effort. If you’re armed with good boots and poles, this hike is a very memorable outing. We particularly like it on hot days and midweek when the trail is a bit less busy.
Hard
12.2 km
820 m
4.5-6h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Wallace Falls via Woody Trail

The Wallace Falls via Woody Trail hike is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. Wallace Falls is one of Washington’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. Nine impressive falls cascade through the greenery, and the trail is enjoyable the entire way along. While presenting a moderate incline and fair length, the elevation gain is never strenuous, making this a fitting trail for families with adventurous children and newer hikers. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and the beauty of nature is on full display here. We do recommend arriving at this trail early as it sees significant traffic on the weekends.
Moderate
8.0 km
452 m
2.5-3.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mailbox Peak Trail

The hike on Mailbox Peak Trail is no small task, but it’s a very popular pick for hikers feeling ready to take on more difficult trails. The views from the top are very rewarding, and yes, there is a mailbox to be found at the top! The old trail was fraught with injuries and rescues, so the Department of Natural Resources stepped in to create a new, safer trail to the top. This new trail is much easier to navigate. Once you make it to the top, see what else is in the mailbox beside the trail register—sometimes, interesting things get left in there for the next group up!
Hard
16.6 km
1,219 m
6.5-9h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mailbox Peak Loop

The hike on Mailbox Peak Loop is no small task, but it’s a popular pick for hikers feeling ready to take on more difficult trails. The views from the top are very rewarding, and yes, there is a mailbox to be found at the top! The old trail was fraught with injuries and rescues, so the Department of Natural Resources stepped in to create a new, safer trail to the top. Some hikers still choose to use the old trail, making a loop out of the old and new. This requires careful navigation of the old trail, which is very steep, not maintained, and rather difficult. Hey, if you want a challenge, you found it! Once you make it to the top, see what else is in the mailbox beside the trail register- sometimes, interesting things get left in there for the next group up!
Hard
12.6 km
1,221 m
5.5-8h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Blanca Lake Trail

The Blanca Lake Trail is a 8.1mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness that is rated as hard. This trail requires that you climb 30 or so steep switchbacks, but the aqua-green waters of Blanca are framed by Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes peaks. The views on the way up don’t disappoint, either! With peeks of Columbia Peak guiding you up, you should be at least partially distracted from the effort required. This trail is sometimes rocky, rooty, or muddy (despite continual efforts by the WTA), so good boots and poles are very helpful. The road to the trail has its fair share of potholes, so drive carefully. Additionally, the parking lot here only has room for about 20 cars, and this is a very popular hike. We strongly recommend arriving early on a weekend or hiking on a weekday if you can.
Hard
13.0 km
1,041 m
5-7h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Heather Lake Trail

The Heather Lake Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This is a great trail for beginners looking to advance their fitness or families with children who are growing more adventurous. The elevation gain is just challenging enough and the distance is just right, making it an enjoyable outing. The lake itself is stunning, with calm, clear waters and a jagged ridge framing the lake. With greenery climbing the mountains and snow patches holding on through summer, this lake is a picturesque objective. The road that leads to the trailhead has numerous potholes to avoid, so we recommend taking a higher clearance vehicle if possible.
Moderate
8.7 km
369 m
2.5-3.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Granite Mountain Hike

The Granite Mountain hike is a heavily trafficked out and back trail near Snoqualmie Pass that is rated as hard. This trail offers unbelievable views of Mount Rainier, Kaleetan Peak, Crystal Lake, and more. However, you’ll need to take on almost 1000ft of elevation gain per mile to see it all! If you’re up for a leg burner, this trail will astound you at the summit. Please note that there is an avalanche chute that crosses the Granite Mountain trail. If you’re hiking in the snow, you should have a solid understanding of avalanche safety and the proper equipment.
Hard
12.7 km
1,126 m
5.5-7.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Summit Lake Trail

The Summit Lake Trail is a 5.7mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Clearwater Wilderness that is rated as moderate. This pretty trail offers excellent views for relatively little effort, and the numerous camping spots along the way make it an ideal first backpacking trip. You can extend your trip by heading down the nearby Bearhead Mountain Trail, or just stick to Summit Lake for a satisfying day hike. This hike actually features two lakes, but the star of the show is Mount Rainier peaking over Summit Lake. The road to the trailhead is covered in large potholes and can become overgrown, so we recommend a high-clearance vehicle and a slow approach.
Moderate
9.2 km
440 m
3-4h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Gold Creek Pond Loop

The Gold Creek Pond Loop is a 1.2mi heavily trafficked loop hike atop Snoqualmie Pass that is rated as easy. This short loop is ADA accessible, making it a great option for hikers with mobility limitations. The path is also stroller-friendly, making it a common choice for families looking for a quick outing with the kids. This hike features a picturesque mountain pond surrounded by green forest and a frame of mountains. Note that this trail is also used for snowshoeing, but the pass requirements for access are different in the winter.
Very Easy
1.9 km
14 m
0.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount Si Trail

The Mount Si Trail is a 7.5mi out and back trail that sees heavy traffic and is rated as hard. This hike is completed by upwards of 100,000 people per year, partly because of its proximity to Seattle and partly because of its wild beauty. On a trail this well-used, exercising good trail etiquette is essential. The hike itself is fairly demanding, not just for the elevation or length, but because of the Haystack, a scramble that leads to the mountain’s true summit. While it’s worthwhile to climb the Haystack if you feel comfortable doing so, many hikers enjoy the great views just below the true summit, making this a somewhat easier hike.
Hard
12.1 km
1,017 m
5-7h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail

The Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail is an out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass that is moderately trafficked and rated as easy. This hike passes through lush forest alongside the Snoqualmie River to a wonderful set of hot springs. Make sure you do the legwork before you go, though! The springs are on private property and only 20 permits per day are given to access them. Permits are available at www.goldmyer.org. Please don’t try to hike this trail without a reservation as you will be disappointed. The perk of this system is that you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs without the crowd!
Easy
17.9 km
308 m
4-5.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Little Si Trail

The Little Si Trail is a 3.6mi out and back trail that sees heavy traffic and is rated as moderate. Little Si provides access to the longer, more difficult Mount Si trail, so it sees both newer and more experienced hikers. The two peaks together are sometimes called “Resolution Peaks” due to the number of hikers that come after January 1st, but this is a wonderful hike no matter the time of year or end goal. Little Si has the unique advantage of being mostly sheltered from inclement conditions, so it is usually hikeable all year long. While the trail begins and ends with steeper sections, they are relatively short-lived and the remainder of the hike is moderate, making this trail suitable for many levels.
Moderate
5.8 km
349 m
2-3h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Goat Lake Trail

Goat Lake Trail is a 10.5mi heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This trail may be longer, but it’s mostly flat or very gently inclined, making it a great choice for a low-resistance nature walk. This hike is popular with both day hikers and backpackers, who enjoy the camping areas near the lake. With tons of variety (lake, mountains, forest, river, waterfalls) to enjoy, you’ll be spellbound the entire way.
Moderate
16.9 km
525 m
4.5-6h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Iron Goat Trail

The Iron Goat Trail is a 5.9mi heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This trail doesn’t offer the panoramic views typical of the area, but it has its own special charm. It’s a history-rich walk along the old Great Northern Railway built over the Cascades in 1893. The hike leads up one of the switchbacks that once helped trains up the Cascades. Active children who like trains will love this one! The first section of this trail, about three miles’ worth, is ADA-accessible.
Moderate
9.5 km
304 m
2.5-3.5h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Heybrook Lookout Trail

The Heybrook Lookout Trail is a 2.6mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy-moderate. This hike is short, and while a bit of climbing is required (literally), it’s a great ratio of effort to reward. The Heybrook Lookout is a metal structure outfitted with steps that gives you a fantastic view over the surrounding mountains. For this reason, it’s a top choice for locals with visiting friends and family, beginner hikers, or those somewhat short on time. Dogs are allowed on leash on this trail but may have some difficulty getting up the lookout depending on their size.
Easy
4.2 km
278 m
1.5-2h
No Ratings
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Lime Kiln Trail

Lime Kiln Trail is a 6.7mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Washington that is rated as moderate. This trail is very unique; you won’t be seeing sprawling mountain vistas, but you will be finding hints of the area’s history hidden in a mossy river canyon. The hike features an old kiln used to make lime from limestone, and a few artifacts from a long-gone railroad and community remain. The river canyon itself is very pretty, with lush greenery surrounding the calm waters. For a break from the usual, this is a great hike.
Moderate
10.8 km
280 m
2.5-4h

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